Top-ranked UFC heavyweight Travis Browne was accused of domestic violence on July 8th by wife Jenna Renee Webb, via Instagram. She posted four images showing large bruises and the caption, “Probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made was walking away from this life and starting over. I’m still ashamed for staying as long as I did. #domesticviolenceawareness.”

While Browne has remained silent on the subject so far, the UFC announced he would not be participating in UFC Fight Week activities. They made no mention of a suspension, saying only that the “…situation, as with any official allegations, will be duly reviewed and thoroughly investigated by an independent party.”

Browne is 6’7 and 255 pounds. According to TMZ, Browne’s manager attributes the accusations to a woman scorned into hysterical vengeance, trying to ruin his good name upon discovering he was unfaithful. The idea that false accusations are a routine reaction women have to being emotionally hurt by romantic partners is a default defense handlers and defense attorneys use, and one that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Rates of false accusation are minimal, and no greater than false accusation rates for any other type of crime.

TMZ also reports Webb told them the incident occurred in February and that she doesn’t plan to press charges – just divorce him and move on. She said,

“I did what I felt in my heart that I had to do to deliver a message to other people that are being abused and other people that he may potentially abuse in the future.

“I do not plan on pressing charges. I’ve prayed for a long time that he would become a better person, and I will continue to pray for him in hopes that he can make changes and salvage a life for him and his boys.”

Given Webb’s reticence to press charges and Browne’s denial of guilt, it seems unlikely the UFC’s independent investigation will result in any type of professional penalty. If Anthony Rumble Johnson, who was convicted of domestic violence, and Abel Trujillo, who pleaded guilty twice to domestic abuse, can remain in the UFC, this may not be enough incentive for the UFC to remove a top-ranked heavyweight from the roster.